Order of Canada for two Indians

Two Indo-Canadians - a political economist and a healthcare worker - will be honoured with the Order of Canada, the country's second highest civilian honour.

Political economist and human rights activist Vithal Rajan and healthcare professional Lalita Malhotra were appointed Officer and member respectively to the Order of Canada on Monday.

Malhotra and Rajan may not be household names, but have worked tirelessly to make Canada a better place.

While Malhotra has made outstanding contributions to the field of healthcare, Rajan has been active in promoting literacy and community health programme, both in India and Canada for the past 40 years.

Rajan, who divides his time between Montreal and India, is a graduate of the London School of Economics.

He became a Canadian in the 1960s and is head of the Confederation of Voluntary Associations, which works with Hindus and Muslims in the Indian slums.

They are among the 77 Canadians named to the order Monday by Governor-General Michaelle Jean.

Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognises "a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation" in a range of fields.

It is presented at three levels: Member, officer and companion. There are only 165 living companions at any given time.

Rajan and Malhotra will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.